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Articles by Julia Thomas
Proposed $15 billion steel project draws questions from Lee County residents
A proposed $15 billion steel manufacturing complex in Lee County is drawing attention across southeast Iowa, as residents seek answers about its potential impact on the community. (File) LEE COUNTY, Iowa. - A proposed $15 billion steel manufacturing complex in Lee County is drawing attention across southeast Iowa, as residents seek answers about its potential impact on the community. Mesabi Metallics says the facility would process iron ore from Minnesota into finished steel products.
Ralls County sheriff outlines potential impact of Proposition P
Ralls County voters will decide whether to approve Proposition P, a ballot measure that would create a dedicated half-cent sales tax to support the Ralls County Sheriff's Office. (Julia Thomas) NEW LONDON, Mo. — Ralls County voters will decide whether to approve Proposition P, a ballot measure that would create a dedicated half-cent sales tax to support the Ralls County Sheriff's Office.
BBB: simple cybersecurity steps can help consumers avoid online scams
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to a close, the Better Business Bureau is encouraging consumers to review their online security habits and take steps to reduce the risk of scams, identity theft and data breaches. (File) COLUMBIA, Mo. - As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to a close, the Better Business Bureau is encouraging consumers to review their online security habits and take steps to reduce the risk of scams, identity theft and data breaches.
Lahn, Bird make campaign stop in City of Bridges
Governor Candidate Zach Lahn and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird stopped by Ottumwa in their final campaign pushes ahead of Election Day. (Julia Thomas/KTVO) OTTUMWA, Iowa - A couple of Iowa Republican candidates made a final push in southeast Iowa on Wednesday. Gubernatorial Candidate Zach Lahn and Attorney General Brenna Bird spoke to voters in Ottumwa ahead of Tuesday’s election. Lahn shared his pitch to voters still undecided. "This is my first time ever running for office.
MDC: Some campers, shooters & deer hunters will need permits in 2027
Missourians who use conservation areas for camping, shooting and hunting will see several new requirements beginning in 2027 after the Missouri Conservation Commission approved a series of regulation changes proposed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Share the Harvest: Missouri hunters can now donate whole deer
The Missouri Department of Conservation is encouraging hunters to participate in the Share the Harvest program this hunting season, with several changes designed to make deer donations easier and more accessible. (MDC) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation is encouraging hunters to participate in the Share the Harvest program this hunting season, with several changes designed to make deer donations easier and more accessible.
MDC: Some campers, shooters & deer hunters will need permits in 2027
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Knox County students build automated bus wash system for district
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Dangerous building designation approved for collapsing Macon house
A Macon committee has officially declared a deteriorating house a dangerous building after a neighboring homeowner raised concerns about the property's condition and the risk it could pose to nearby homes. (Julia Thomas) MACON, Mo. — A Macon committee has officially declared a deteriorating house a dangerous building after a neighboring homeowner raised concerns about the property's condition and the risk it could pose to nearby homes.
Missouri, Illinois and Iowa pork industries drive billions in economic activity during National Pork Month
October is National Pork Month, a time to recognize pork producers and the contributions they make to agriculture and rural economies across the Midwest. (File) October is National Pork Month, a time to recognize pork producers and the contributions they make to agriculture and rural economies across the Midwest. According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Show-Me State ranks seventh among all states in hog inventory with 3.3 million head of hogs.
MDC reminds waterfowl hunters to watch for bird flu this fall
As fall waterfowl migration begins, the Missouri Department of Conservation is urging hunters and the public to watch for signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in wild birds. (Julia Thomas) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - As fall waterfowl migration begins, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is urging hunters and the public to watch for signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in wild birds.
Collapsing Macon house raises safety concerns for neighbor on Butler Street
A Macon homeowner is asking city leaders to take action on a deteriorating house she fears could collapse and damage her family's property. (Julia Thomas) MACON, Mo. — A Macon homeowner is asking city leaders to take action on a deteriorating house she fears could collapse and damage her family's property. The Butler Street resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said she has spent months contacting city officials about the neighboring structure.
What consumers should know about peptides promoted on social media
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What consumers should know about peptides promoted on social media
A MU Healthcare physician is urging consumers to be cautious about peptides promoted on social media, saying many of the products have not undergone the same testing and approval process as FDA-regulated medications. (File) COLUMBIA, Mo. - A MU Healthcare physician is urging consumers to be cautious about peptides promoted on social media, saying many of the products have not undergone the same testing and approval process as FDA-regulated medications.
MoDOT conducts winter drill as snow season approaches
As colder temperatures move into Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation is preparing for winter weather with its annual winter operations drill. (Julia Thomas) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - As cooler temperatures move into the area, the Missouri Department of Transportation is preparing for winter weather with its annual winter operations drill. The training exercise, taking place Oct. 13-15, allows for snowplow operators to practice their routes and test equipment before snow and ice arrive.
International buyers tour Illinois to strengthen agricultural trade relationships
International grain buyers from six Latin American countries got a firsthand look at Illinois' agricultural transportation network Monday as part of the Illinois Department of Agriculture's 2026 Latin American Grain Tour. (Julia Thomas) EAST ALTON, Ill. — International grain buyers from six Latin American countries got a firsthand look at Illinois' agricultural transportation network Monday as part of the Illinois Department of Agriculture's 2026 Latin American Grain Tour.
International buyers tour Illinois to strengthen agricultural trade relationships
International grain buyers from six Latin American countries got a firsthand look at Illinois' agricultural transportation network Monday as part of the Illinois Department of Agriculture's 2026 Latin American Grain Tour. (Julia Thomas) EAST ALTON, Ill. — International grain buyers from six Latin American countries got a firsthand look at Illinois' agricultural transportation network Monday as part of the Illinois Department of Agriculture's 2026 Latin American Grain Tour.
Iowa to receive $2.4 million in Corteva pesticide settlement
Iowa will receive approximately $2.4 million as part of a $35 million multistate settlement with agricultural company Corteva over allegations the company used loyalty programs that illegally limited competition in the pesticide market.
Largest steel manufacturing investment in U.S. history planned for Lee County
State and federal officials announced plans for a $15 billion steel manufacturing complex in Lee County that is being touted as the largest steel manufacturing investment in American history. (CNN) LEE COUNTY, Iowa — Iowa leaders and federal officials are touting a proposed $15 billion steel manufacturing complex in Lee County as the largest steel manufacturing investment in U.S. history. The project was announced at the White House by President Trump alongside Gov.
USDA recalls Korean ginseng chicken stew products imported without required inspection
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a recall of approximately 4,596 pounds of ready-to-eat Korean ginseng chicken stew products imported from South Korea. (USDA) ILLINOIS - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a recall of approximately 4,596 pounds of ready-to-eat Korean ginseng chicken stew products imported from South Korea. According to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, Sempio Food Services Inc.
Shelby County Cares expands mental health outreach while honoring lives lost to suicide
Nearly 100 people gathered this week for Shelby County Cares' third annual Suicide Awareness Walk, an event aimed at remembering those lost to suicide while connecting community members with mental health resources. (Julia Thomas) SHELBINA, Mo. — Nearly 100 people gathered this week for Shelby County Cares' third annual Suicide Awareness Walk, an event aimed at remembering those lost to suicide while connecting community members with mental health resources.
Palmyra Christian Academy joins Missouri Beef Kids program
Palmyra Christian Academy is bringing locally raised beef to its cafeteria through the Missouri Beef Kids program, giving students access to locally sourced food while teaching them about agriculture and where their meals come from. (Julia Thomas) PALMYRA, Mo. — Palmyra Christian Academy is bringing locally raised beef to its cafeteria through the Missouri Beef Kids program, giving students access to locally sourced food while teaching them about agriculture and where their meals come from.
Nearly 600 students compete in livestock judging contest at John Wood Ag Center
Nearly 600 high school 4-H and FFA students traveled to the John Wood Community College Agricultural Education Center on Thursday to test their livestock evaluation skills during the college's annual livestock judging contest. (Julia Thomas) BAYLIS, Ill. — Nearly 600 high school 4-H and FFA students traveled to the John Wood Community College Agricultural Education Center on Friday to test their livestock evaluation skills during the school's annual livestock judging contest.
Tri-State Rodeo continues to drive economic impact across Fort Madison, Lee County
The annual event, now in its 78th year, draws thousands of spectators and competitors from across the country to Fort Madison each September, generating an estimated $2.5 million in economic activity for the local community. (Julia Thomas) FORT MADISON, Iowa — The Tri-State Rodeo has long been a source of entertainment and tradition in southeast Iowa, but organizers say its impact reaches far beyond the grandstands.
Corn market’s unusual pre-harvest rally explained
Corn prices are moving higher as harvest approaches, a welcome change for producers after several years of softer markets. But while stronger prices are providing optimism across the countryside, economists say global conflicts, rising energy costs and expensive farm inputs are preventing many growers from seeing significant profits. (Julia Thomas) MISSOURI — Corn prices are moving higher as harvest approaches, a welcome change for producers after several years of softer markets.
Misleading home warranty letters prompt consumer warning from BBB
The Better Business Bureau says it received roughly 15,000 complaints last year involving home warranty companies and deceptive mailers that can appear official at first glance. (File) COLUMBIA, Mo. - Consumer advocates are warning homeowners to be cautious as misleading home warranty letters are once again appearing in mailboxes across the country.
Soybean farmers applaud EPA change on refinery exemptions
Tri-state soybean farmers are praising a revised Environmental Protection Agency proposal that they say will help protect demand for biodiesel and other renewable fuels. (Julia Thomas) IOWA - Tri-State soybean farmers are praising a revised Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal that they say will help protect demand for biodiesel and other renewable fuels.
Cattle prices dip over import concerns, but beef fundamentals remain strong, economist says
Cattle prices have declined in recent weeks following federal announcements involving feeder cattle imports from Mexico and imported lean beef used in ground hamburger, but a University of Missouri economist says the long-term outlook for the beef industry remains strong.
Shelby County celebrates opening of new sheriff's office, 911 center and jail
The new 11,000-square-foot complex includes a sheriff's office, emergency dispatch center and expanded jail facilities designed to better serve the county's needs. (Julia Thomas) SHELBY COUNTY, Mo. — Shelby County officials, state leaders and community members gathered Friday in Shelbyville to celebrate the completion of a new sheriff's office, 911 dispatch center and jail, marking a major investment in public safety infrastructure.
As interest in raw milk grows, experts encourage making informed choices
As interest in raw milk grows, health experts say consumers should understand both the claims made by supporters and the potential health risks associated with drinking unpasteurized dairy products. (File) COLUMBIA, Mo. - As interest in raw milk grows, health experts say consumers should understand both the claims made by supporters and the potential health risks associated with drinking unpasteurized dairy products.
U.S. 36 and U.S. 63 unaffected by Missouri's new 75 mph speed limit law
Missouri drivers will not see immediate speed limit increases when a new state law allowing some rural interstate highways to reach 75 mph takes effect Aug. 28. (File) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri drivers will not see immediate speed limit increases when a new state law allowing some rural interstate highways to reach 75 mph takes effect Aug. 28. The legislation gives the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) the authority to determine where higher speed limits can be safely implemented.
MDC announces regulation changes for upcoming fall deer season
Missouri deer hunters will see several changes to hunting regulations heading into the 2026 season, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. (MDC) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri deer hunters will see several changes to hunting regulations heading into the 2026 season, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
Youth competitors shine at Pike County Fair Swine Show
The Pike County Fair in Illinois continued Thursday morning with the swine show, featuring youth exhibitors and a variety of pig breeds. (Julia Thomas) PIKE COUNTY, Il. - The Pike County Fair in Illinois continued Thursday morning with the swine show, featuring youth exhibitors and a variety of pig breeds. Competitors brought pigs that were judged based on age and classification as either gilts or market barrows.
USDA, Texas officials respond to first confirmed U.S. case of New World screwworm in cattle
Federal and state officials have confirmed a single case of New World screwworm in the United States, detected in a three‑week‑old calf near La Pryor, Texas. (USDA) Single calf in South Texas tests positive Federal and state officials have confirmed a single case of New World screwworm in the United States, detected in a three‑week‑old calf near La Pryor, Texas. The detection prompted immediate action from federal, state and local agencies.
Goat show highlights preparation, dedication at Pike County Fair
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Sheep show kicks off Pike County Fair livestock events
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Northeast Missouri Beekeepers Association offers public hive inspection
The Northeast Missouri Beekeepers Association will host the public event Saturday, May 30, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Lewis County Regional Airport, located at 24608 State Highway 16 in Canton. (Julia Thomas) CANTON, Mo. — Community members are invited to get an up-close look at the world of beekeeping during a hands-on honey bee hive inspection this weekend in Lewis County.
Adams County to celebrate career launch signing day Monday
Adams County will spotlight the next generation of its workforce Monday during the 2026 Career Launch Signing Day at the John Wood Workforce Development Center. (GREDF) ADAMS COUNTY, Ill. — Adams County will spotlight the next generation of its workforce Monday during the 2026 Career Launch Signing Day at the John Wood Workforce Development Center.
Third graders learn where food comes from through agriculture program
Northeast Missouri third graders are learning all about agriculture thanks to the program ag ed on the move. (Julia Thomas) KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - Northeast Missouri third graders are learning all about agriculture thanks to the program ag ed on the move. At Ray Miller Elementary School, third graders are midway through a 10‑week program learning where their food comes from. The program is part of a statewide initiative through Missouri Farmers Care aimed at connecting kids with agriculture.
Justice Department investigates fertilizer industry over possible price collusion
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether major fertilizer companies colluded to drive up prices for American farmers. (Julia Thomas - KTVO) WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether major fertilizer companies colluded to drive up prices for American farmers. Iowa corn growers say the move is long overdue, following years of rising fertilizer costs and falling commodity prices that have tightened farm margins.
Iowa bill on drug access moves forward amid warnings from pharmacy association, FDA
A bill moving through the Iowa House would let people buy ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine without a prescription. (File) IOWA - A bill moving through the Iowa House would let people buy ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine without a prescription. Supporters say people should be able to choose their own medicines. Opponents — including the Iowa Pharmacy Association — say it could be dangerous for some patients.
‘That’s not how I pictured it’ - why book-to-film adaptations so often disappoint
As "Hamnet" arrives on the big screen, many fans of the book may feel a familiar mix of excitement and trepidation. They may wonder how the film will bring to life Maggie O'Farrell’s intimate portrayal of Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes, and the loss of their son. There is the thrill of seeing a beloved story imagined on screen. But there is also a quieter fear: that the film will not look like the version already playing in our heads. For many of us, novels are not just read. They are seen.
‘That’s not how I pictured it’ - why book-to-film adaptations so often disappoint
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Meet UGA’s 2026 Bulldog 100
The University of Georgia announced the 2026 Bulldog 100, a list of the fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UGA graduates. This class joins a list of over 900 business leaders who have been honored since the program’s first celebration in 2010. Among this year’s class, businesses are headquartered in 10 states, with 85 of the businesses located in Georgia.
Productive Misallocation and International Transmission of Credit Shocks
1 Introduction United States credit market disruptions spread rapidly over the 2007 financial crisis, triggering financial market turmoil and sharp contractions in real activity around the world; meanwhile, international trade experienced an abrupt collapse that some empirical studies have linked to the global financial crisis.1 Figure 1 demonstrates these events using Canada, the United States' leading trade partner at the time.
The Essential Life-Saving Skill Everyone Should Know
Common First Aid Situations and How to Respond 1. Bleeding and Cuts Wash your hands or wear gloves. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Raise the injured part above heart level if possible. Once bleeding stops, clean and cover with a sterile bandage. If bleeding is severe and doesn't stop, call emergency services immediately. 2. Burns and Scalds Cool the burn under running water for at least 10 minutes. Do not use ice, toothpaste, or butter. Cover with a sterile, non-fluffy dressing.
The Agony and the Ecstasy: Transcendental Late Liszt from Leif Ove Andsnes
One of the least known, and most extraordinary, works of the late 19th Century receives a new Benchmark Recording Franz (Abbé) Liszt in 1886 (Mihláy Munkácsy) “For me, "Via Crucis" feels like an encounter with Liszt’s soul - a man grappling with the mysteries of faith, redemption, and human suffering. The work is remarkable for its avant-garde harmonic language and stripped down textures.
8 transporting works of historical fiction to read now
Evocative books that will sweep you across different eras and lands. 17 July 2025 - 11:14am Set in different time periods around the world, these novels make for the perfect immersive read If you are looking for the quickest way to teleport, these historical fiction titles with compelling stories might do the trick. The Kennedy Girl By Julia Bryan Thomas Mia dreams of building a wardrobe like that of her style icon Jackie Kennedy.
The Victorian Mind's Eye: Reading Literature in an Age of Illustration
This book conceptualizes the material and mental mechanics of reading that emerged with the Victorian age of illustration. This period witnessed the growth of illustrated material on an unprecedented scale, with words and pictures printed alongside each other in works of fiction and non-fiction.
WW Book Club: Charmaine Wilkerson’s New Novel + More Must-Reads!
Welcome back, fellow bibliophiles! Here at Woman’s World Book Club when we’re not reading books, researching books or talking about books, we’re recommending books—and this week’s exciting batch of new releases spans multiple genres from family saga to romance, thriller and more! As usual, we guarantee there’s something for every reader and bookish mood. Fans of compelling family sagas—especially those who loved Black Cake—will enjoy Charmaine Wilkerson’s Good Dirt.
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